Page 72 of Dauntless

His old record player was playing “Sweet Georgia Brown” filtered across the lawn. He was making odd gestures with his hands like he was conducting along with the music.

I giggled. “That’s my dad. He loves his music.”

“I can play that song for him,” Elliott had his trumpet in one hand and was holding mine in his other one. He’d shaved at the hospital but had stubble on his jaw. He was in loose jeans and a V-neck long shirt that had an abstract pattern. His long, dark hair hung above his collar. He was gorgeous, but casual.

“Do it,” I said. Yes. I was a daddy’s girl. I wanted him to love Elliott as much as I did. Elliott stopped, put his trumpet down and turned me to face him.

Elliott kissed my trembling lips. “It’s going to be fine,” he said confidently. “Your dad will love me. Trust me.”

I did. Absolutely.

“Gia,” my dad called out.

Elliott let me go, and I ran over and hugged and kissed him. His brows furrowed as he looked at Elliott on approach. “Do I know you?” he asked, guarded.

My stomach jumbled with nerves. “No, Daddy. I brought him with me. This is my…boyfriend, Elliott.”

Elliott smiled at him. “She’s right, sir. We haven’t met, but I’m here to tell you I’m going to marry your daughter, and we’re going to be family.”

My mouth dropped open. “Oh, my God.”

My Dad laughed hardily. “Well then take a seat, Son. We have a lot to talk about.”

Oh, did the two of them talk?

Elliott seemed to know every year, date, and time of every bit of music my dad loved. But when he took out his trumpet and played, my dad immediately had a new best friend. My father was more animated than I’d seen him in years. Whenever he lost himself in the conversation, Elliott helped bring him back. He put my dad at ease. Dad made plans with Elliott to come back for another visit with a couple of players with him for a mini-concert. He had a new fan. I loved him even more. I went to the nurse to check on him and left my dad with Elliott. I needed to hear what she had already shared over the phone. He was doing fine most days. I promised I’d be back over sooner than later. It was getting late, and we were ready to go.

Before we left though, Dad asked to speak with me alone. “A cop?”

“Ex-FBI agent,” I corrected. “He runs his own private investigation outfit now,” I said with a lift of my chin.

He shook his head and smiled. “You don’t need to sell him. You never had a reason to be in contact with law enforcement. You could have met him anywhere, but I suspect there is more to it. I know you’ve been keeping something from me because of my memory, and you don’t want me to worry, but can you tell me that you’re fine now?”

“I am,” I said and exhaled. “Things are better now.”

“I can see that,” Dad said. “It was what I always wanted for you. Someone that really loves and cares about you, so I wouldn’t have to worry. You work hard, but there is more to life than work.”

I scoffed. “Coming from the man that rarely took a day off.”

“I should have,” Dad said and sighed. “Anyway, I have a good feeling about Elliott, and I’ll tell you like I just told him. He asked for my blessing, and I gave it to him.”

“Oh,” I said. “He hasn’t even asked me yet.”

“Well hurry up and have the wedding,” he said with a broad grin on his face. “I want to hold my grandchild.”

My face warmed. “Please, tell me you haven’t told him that.”

“I did, and he told me I would have several,” he said and smiled. “I like how direct he is. He’s the real thing.”

“Yes, he is,” I agreed and sighed. “I love him.”

“I can see that,” he said softly.

Elliott came back over to us and shook my dad’s hand. “We need to get going. Talk to you soon.”

“Yes, let’s all talk again soon,” my dad nodded.

“I love you,” I said softly in his ear, and he patted my back when I hugged him. Their meeting went better than I had imagined. I was thrilled.

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